ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2016
Live from New York: Metal Predictions, Millennial Myths
Members of the jewelry industry have descended upon a sweltering New York City for the annual run of late July events.
New York--Members of the jewelry industry have descended upon a sweltering New York City for the annual run of late July events, including the antique show at the Metropolitan Pavilion and JA New York Summer.
The JA New York show opened Sunday at the Javits center, with 10 designers lining the New Designer Gallery and a slate of education sessions taking place throughout the day.
Sessions on social media, led by Dave Kerpen of Likeable Local, and millennials, led by Ben Smithee, were among the most well-attended seminars of the day.
Smithee’s talk centered on the myths surrounding millennials and the overriding message of his talk was this: Millennials aren’t dissimilar from the generations of consumers who came before them.
“Are millennials really that different?” he asked at the conclusion of the session. “We’re not. It’s really (that) consumerism is changing, it’s really the environment of business is changing.”
The millennial generation, which grew up with technology at their fingertips, is so large and well-connected online that their coming of age has brought about an overall shift in how people of all ages shop.
“Don’t think of it as a group of people, think of it as a mental change … that your business has to change with,” he said. “So we’re having the wrong discussion … about millennials and generations and the next generation of consumers. We should be having a conversation about the evolutionary shift in business and how we can affect that in our industry.”
This year, the JA New York Summer show is taking place against a backdrop of global economic and political uncertainty, underscored by a highly contentious presidential election in the United States.
At the Jewelers of America booth there are life-size cut-outs of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and the association is inviting attendees to take a photo with the candidate of their choice. As of mid-day, JA employees reported that support was split pretty much down the middle.
Global uncertainty, such as that surrounding the emotional U.S. election, and unexpected events, like June’s Brexit vote, can shake up consumer confidence and cause precious metal prices to spike.
But Dave Siminski of United Precious Metals said when it comes to events like an election or a terrorist attack, there’s always an immediate, sharp uptick in metal prices but they usually settle within a few days.
“It’s almost like watching a
heart monitor; you’ll have a blip and then (it) will come back down,” he said at his booth on Sunday afternoon.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2016, Siminski said that the price of gold has been climbing steadily all year, and he expects that to continue, with the yellow finishing the year at $1,375. Stuller’s Tammy Kidder, who was a visitor in the United Precious Metals booth, had a slightly lower prediction, $1,300 an ounce.
Siminski and Kidder both see silver continuing to rise as well, hitting about $22 an ounce, while platinum is expected to finish the year around $1,100 an ounce.
The jewelry industry events continue today in New York, with the WJA Awards for Excellence at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the announcement of the winners of the AGTA Spectrum Awards, and, on Tuesday, the American Gem Society’s annual Circle of Distinction dinner.
JA New York Summer continues through Tuesday at the Javits Center.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2016, Siminski said that the price of gold has been climbing steadily all year, and he expects that to continue, with the yellow finishing the year at $1,375. Stuller’s Tammy Kidder, who was a visitor in the United Precious Metals booth, had a slightly lower prediction, $1,300 an ounce.
Siminski and Kidder both see silver continuing to rise as well, hitting about $22 an ounce, while platinum is expected to finish the year around $1,100 an ounce.
The jewelry industry events continue today in New York, with the WJA Awards for Excellence at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the announcement of the winners of the AGTA Spectrum Awards, and, on Tuesday, the American Gem Society’s annual Circle of Distinction dinner.
JA New York Summer continues through Tuesday at the Javits Center.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
